A knowledgeable and understanding real estate agent who is familiar with the needs and desires of the 55+ set, combined with the services of an attorney who specializes in both real estate and estate planning and an accountant who deals with senior tax implications, can be invaluable to you in looking at all aspects of selling your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate and helping you determine what is best for you. Senior Expert Margie Behr also advises that you think about taking out a home equity loan before you put your house on the market and that you involve your whole family in the decision-making process.

Deciding to Sell

If you do decide to sell, BankRate.com cautions you to first get a written market analysis and a financial evaluation which will help you and your team of advisors address the realities of the market, your investments, and tax objectives.

Once underway in the selling process, you‘ll have to prepare your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for showing to potential buyers. That includes removing, storing, or giving away some large furnishing, heirlooms, or collections, and making your home as “clutter-free“ as possible. If this task looms too large for you to deal with by yourself, your real estate agent can provide you with qualified, responsible people who will make the burden much lighter. Remember that a well-maintained property with plenty of open space makes the house seem larger and shows off its assets.

The exterior, too, needs attention so that its “curb appeal“ will make shoppers want to come inside and investigate further. Keep lawns mowed, bushes trimmed, and flower beds fresh and colorful. Walkways, siding/brick, and roofs should be in good condition and entranceways must be attractive and inviting.

What and where to buy?

Bankrate.com stresses the importance of looking at all your options and comparing them to your physical needs-now and in the future. Carefully consider the benefits to a one-level home or a building with an elevator. Would a condo with no maintenance required be best for you? Have you thought about a retirement community? You’ll need to determine the value of being close to friends, doctors, churches, stores, public transportation, and facilities which foster leisure pursuits. Do you golf? Want to be involved in a recreational senior center? Will you want trails or bike paths nearby? Be sure to visit areas you are seriously considering–often and at different times of the day. Talk with current residents, drop in the stores, walk around the community with family members or a friend. You can also do some reconnaissance online at [our website] which give you very useful demographic information re: income, population, employment, crime rate, etc., or you can Google a specific neighborhood.

Two final precautions: 1) don’t commit to a vacate date on the Mobile Eastern Shore real estate you’re selling until you have secured a new residence. You don’t want to have to move twice! 2) if family is really important to you, don’t move too far from them. Many grandparents have regretted their move so much that they have moved back to be closer to the children!

As you go through the process of relocating to/from your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, view it as an adventure, a chance to view the world from a different setting, meet new people, and make new friends–and enjoy the journey!

A knowledgeable and understanding real estate agent who is familiar with the needs and desires of the 55+ set, combined with the services of an attorney who specializes in both real estate and estate planning and an accountant who deals with senior tax implications, can be invaluable to you in looking at all aspects of selling your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate and helping you determine what is best for you. Senior Expert Margie Behr also advises that you think about taking out a home equity loan before you put your house on the market and that you involve your whole family in the decision-making process.

If you do decide to sell, BankRate.com cautions you to first get a written market analysis and a financial evaluation which will help you and your team of advisors address the realities of the market, your investments, and tax objectives.

Once underway in the selling process, you‘ll have to prepare your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate for showing to potential buyers. That includes removing, storing, or giving away some large furnishing, heirlooms, or collections, and making your home as “clutter-free“ as possible. If this task looms too large for you to deal with by yourself, your real estate agent can provide you with qualified, responsible people who will make the burden much lighter. Remember that a well-maintained property with plenty of open space makes the house seem larger and shows off its assets.

The exterior, too, needs attention so that its “curb appeal“ will make shoppers want to come inside and investigate further. Keep lawns mowed, bushes trimmed, and flower beds fresh and colorful. Walkways, siding/brick, and roofs should be in good condition and entranceways must be attractive and inviting.

What and where to buy? Bankrate.com stresses the importance of looking at all your options and comparing them to your physical needs-now and in the future. Carefully consider the benefits to a one-level home or a building with an elevator. Would a condo with no maintenance required be best for you? Have you thought about a retirement community? You’ll need to determine the value of being close to friends, doctors, churches, stores, public transportation, and facilities which foster leisure pursuits. Do you golf? Want to be involved in a recreational senior center? Will you want trails or bike paths nearby? Be sure to visit areas you are seriously considering–often and at different times of the day. Talk with current residents, drop in the stores, walk around the community with family members or a friend. You can also do some reconnaissance online at [our website] which give you very useful demographic information re: income, population, employment, crime rate, etc., or you can Google a specific neighborhood.

Two final precautions: 1) don’t commit to a vacate date on the Mobile Eastern Shore real estate you’re selling until you have secured a new residence. You don’t want to have to move twice! 2) if family is really important to you, don’t move too far from them. Many grandparents have regretted their move so much that they have moved back to be closer to the children!

As you go through the process of relocating to/from your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, view it as an adventure, a chance to view the world from a different setting, meet new people, and make new friends–and enjoy the journey!

What’s your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate worth?

1. Shop around for the best value. Check online for quotes from at least three reputable agencies. Be aware that some companies offer a discount of 30% to 40% if you buy online. Other possible discounts can result from insuring both the home and the contents or by insuring your home and your car with the same firm.

Also know the replacement value of your home, taking into consideration any unique features that will be expensive to replace. Keep in mind probable inflation increases at renewal time. Does your insurer automatically adjust your coverage or do you have to request the change?

2. Make periodic updates to your Mobile Eastern Shore home or property. Ways to reduce insurance costs include the following:

A) replacing the existing heating system to one which is safer and more cost-efficient.

B) keep plumbing in good working order and protect it from freezing

C) replace fuses. Inspectors are looking for circuit breakers and a safe wiring system

D) install fire detectors or even a central alarm system. Be sure to keep a record of all repairs/replacements and inform your insurance company of each one.

3. Maintain the building and grounds. Regular repainting or installing siding is essential to protecting your Mobile Eastern Shore home from moisture damage. Hire professionals to clean any chimneys and check for termites. Repair unsafe sidewalks and remove dangerous tree roots. Again, keep your insurance company current on your efforts to eliminate hazards.

4. Consider tenant-based liabilities. The type of dog you allow on your property influences your insurance rate, as does permitting smoking on the premises. You may also want to specify acceptable locations for outdoor grill use and make renters aware of their responsibility to cover damages caused by them and the need for renters’ insurance.

By following these tips and consulting with your insurance representative, you should be able to lower your premium, avoid cancellation, and stay off the industry’s “bad list.” Also think about raising your deductible amount and avoid making too many small claims to keep your premium costs down.

Search all Mobile Eastern Shore homes for sale.

Improvement Decisions

After you have identified the improvement desired and the level of expertise required to do the job, your next step is to find the appropriate worker. If that person is you, there are many sources to assist you. Businesses such as Home Depot, Lowes, and carpet/tile retailers often give free “how to” clinics in the evenings or on weekends and have helpful handouts to guide you. There are also innumerable web sites for the novice to advanced do-it-yourselfer which provide, articles, diagrams, videos, advice from professionals, and step-by-step instructions for a myriad of fix-ups or upgrades ranging from hooking up an icemaker tore facing kitchen cabinets to laying floors and constructing a patio. Some helpful sites are DYInetwork.com, DYIAdvice.com, HomeandGardenAdvice.com, and HomeImprovements-and-Financing.com.

You may have determined that you want the services of a professional, but do you want a handyman or a specialist? The latter, the more expensive of the two, has a depth of experience in his/her field but is limited to work in that field. A handyman, while not as experienced, offers a breadth of skills–he/she can hang your ceiling fan as well as paint your ceiling. Check out websites which help in locating dependable handymen and reputable specialists. www.AngiesList.com will not only assist you in finding the right match for your needs, it will also warn you about individuals/companies who have garnered complaints from customers. You may also want to check out franchise businesses such as www.MrHandyman.com–more expensive but more likely to be insured and bonded.

Reasons for Upgrading

Your reason for upgrading your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate may be to increase your quality of life or reflect a changing lifestyle (addition of a home office or a screened- in patio), decrease utility bills by becoming more energy efficient (installation of upscale siding or quality windows), or adding value to your property (kitchen island, renovated bathroom). Whatever the purpose, be sure to take advantage of the internet and local businesses–and do enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Get the current value of your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate.

USES AND APPLICATIONS: This program can be used in various ways:

1. To purchase a home and its land for rehabilitation

2. To purchase a dwelling at one site and move it to another mortgaged property for rehabilitation

3. To refinance existing secured loans on a home for rehabilitation

4. To convert a one-family dwelling to a two, three, or four family residence OR

5. To convert a multi-family dwelling to a one-family home.

ELIGIBILITY:

Property:

1..Must be a one-to-four family dwelling that is at least one year old

2. If the dwelling has been demolished, some of the foundation must remain

Improvements:

1. All construction must comply with HUD Minimum Property Standards

2. All rehabilitation dealing with thermal or heating/AC systems must be energy efficient

3. Cash-paying home buyers can refinance their Mobile Eastern Shore real estate within six (6) months of purchase in order to make improvements

As with any government funded programs, the property to be purchased is subject to appraisals to determine the “as-is” and “after rehab” values of the real estate. In addition, the Mobile Eastern Shore homeowner will be expected to provide HUD with the following:

1. A plot plan of the site

2. Proposed interior plan of the dwelling

3. Work write-up and cost estimate

HUD also offers an FHA Streamlined 203 (k) program that allows buyers or owners of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate to purchase or refinance a home that needs up to $35,000 of rehab/repair work. Eligible owners may borrow the money even if they don’t have the equity usually required. In addition, the streamlined program requires much less paperwork than does the regular 203 (k) and thus simplifies the process for obtaining funding for improvements/repairs. Typical improvements approved for this program include such things as :

*Roof, gutter, downspout repair/replacement

*HVAC systems

*Plumbing and electrical work

*Basement completion/waterproofing

*Purchase of appliances

*Minor remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms

*Flooring

*Windows and doors

*Decks, patios, porches

A complete list of acceptable uses of the 203 (k) funds can be found here.

The primary focus of feng shui is the positive flow of energy, which contributes to the creation of harmony in life. Integral components of the philosophy are the five elements of fire, earth, water, metal, and wood, and each of these is enhanced by color selection and use in your Mobile Eastern Shore home as follows:

• FIRE – Passion and high energy. These strong colors include red, orange, purple, pink, and bright yellow.
  
• EARTH – Nourishment and Stability. Beige and various earthy sand colors.
  
• WATER – Ease, freshness, and abundance. Blue and Black
  
• METAL – Clarity and preciseness. Grey and white
  
• WOOD – Health and Vitality. Brown and Green

Other feng shui principles to follow include:

1. The clearing of unnecessary furnishings and objects:

In feng shui, less is more. Believing that clutter impedes the flow of energy, feng shui proponents suggest avoiding big pieces of furniture and removing most plants, photographs, and personalize items. Most homes will benefit from the absence of about 1/3 of their current furnishings.

2. Abundance of light:

Ample lighting is conducive to good energy and should be generously provided in your Virginia Beach home to provide a sense of spaciousness. Natural light is best, but warm, soft artificial lighting is acceptable. A dimmer switch is strongly suggested for your lights.

3. Outside appearance:

A solid, strong front door is essential, as is an attractive and clutter-free entranceway. Your landscaping should be well-maintained, and your house numbers clean and easily visible. A well-lit entrance is also a must!

4. The feng shui “trinity”:

The bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom are of vital importance since there is a powerful connection among the three areas which promote health and well-being.

• In the bathroom you should try to create a spa-like, relaxing atmosphere through the use of lighting and mirrors, which give the room a sense of space.
• In the kitchen unadorned counter-tops in colors harmonious with the cabinets and walls are a necessity. Use fire and wood tones, and avoid those associated with water. Lighting under the cabinets invites a good chi, as does a basket of fresh fruit or flowers.
• In the bedroom, the bed should have a solid headboard, be approachable from both sides, and be flanked by two end tables. It is best if the bed does not face the door to the room. The walls should be in earth colors, and televisions, computers, and exercise equipment should not be present.

Good feng shui means positive energy, sure to help with the sale of your Mobile Eastern Shore home. Who doesn’t want the hope of good health, happiness, and prosperity?

1. Insulate. Insulate. Insulate. Use pipe insulators to keep hot water hot for a longer time and a hot water heater blanket ($10.00 to $20.00) to both prevent temperature loss and reduce the amount of electricity/gas needed to maintain the water temperature. Be aware that the further heat or air conditioning has to travel, the greater the temperature loss. Insulating your heating and cooling ducts can prevent up to 60% of this loss. Remember that even a small area of inadequate or damaged insulation can greatly reduce efficiency.

2. Reduce heating/cooling expenses. Replace or clean all filters on a regular basis to reduce inefficiency. Eliminate all sources of drafts by checking windows, doors, electrical outlets, fireplaces, and attic floors for leaks (even small cracks lead to energy loss) and by using caulking or weather stripping to seal them. In addition, for a cost of $200 to $400, you can run a blower door test to discover the main, and many times hidden, sources of energy leaks in your home.

It is also important to schedule a HVAC cleaning/checkup every two years and to investigate the need for a programmable thermostat to save energy while you sleep or are away from home. If your windows, aging appliances, furnace, or hot water heater needs to be replaced, you should certainly consider purchasing ENERGY STAR products to save 10% to 30% of the usual operating costs.

3. Consume less water. Take steps to reduce this expense by installing low flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators.

4. Don’t ignore the outside. Planting shade trees and shrubs in strategic locations on the grounds of your Mobile Eastern Shore home can lower your cooling costs by as much as 25%, and because they also act as wind barriers, your heating costs can be reduced by up to 20%. In addition, the leafless trees will allow sunshine through in the winter (good for mental health as well as warmth). Also consider water conservation when landscaping. Look for lawn grasses and plants that are drought resistant and natural to the area.

The “Go Green” slogan is not a passing fad. Realistic buyers, who are both cost-conscious and ecologically aware, want to own a Mobile Eastern Shore home that reduces their day-to-day utility expenses and allows them to play a part in preserving the environment. The purchase of a green home benefits both the buyer and the seller in today’s market.

Learn more about buying a Mobile Eastern Shore home.

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Staging Tips For Your Mobile Eastern Shore Open House

1. Remove the clutter.

Having a garage sale is out when removing clutter because the Open House is only a week away. You don’t want to stuff the garage or closets to the gills either. One solution is to rent an off-site storage facility or stack boxes neatly in a basement or crawlspace.

2. Stage each room.

The first thing to do is clean from top to bottom. Make sure windows and light fixtures shine and are in working order. If the room is crowded, put some furniture in the storage facility. Finally, pick a focal point that will attract buyers when they see the room. For example, the focal point of a bedroom is usually the bed, and for a music room, it’s the piano.

3. Use the rule of three.

First, remove everything from counters and table tops, including coffee tables and side tables. Then re-accessorize using the rule of three…using 3 items of varying heights. For example, on an end table you can place a lamp (high), a small plant (medium), and a book (low).

4. Make a child’s room more appealing.

Your goal is to appeal to the largest number of buyers and allow them to see themselves living in your home. Not all buyers will have children. Growth charts, posters, and school projects are personal items become a distraction and should be removed. Also, de-clutter shelves and closets. If you have time, tone down the colors. Bright wall colors can make a room appear smaller.

5. Remove signs of pets.

Not all potential Mobile Eastern Shore home buyers are pet lovers. Remove pets from the property and put away water bowls, food dishes and pet beds.

6. Make it odor free.

Cigarette smells, pet odors and distinctive cooling smells are not pleasant for buyers. Make your home odor free by airing out the house for a few days prior to the Open House or rent an air purifier.

7. Make the outside shine.

First impressions are important. If buyers are turned off by the outside of your home, they will never go inside. Clean off the driveway, mow the lawn, trim edges, pull the weeds and put down fresh mulch in the flower beds. Plant colorful annuals in beds or pots. Make sure the house is clean and paint the front door if needed.

8. Welcome buyers home.

Remember you want your home to say ‘Welcome Home’ to potential buyers. You want them to mentally move into your home and make it theirs. Bake a fresh batch of cookies and leave them on the kitchen table with a pitcher of lemonade. Then go to the park with the kids or visit friends. Somehow remove the family from the house and let your Realtor show the home off to its next owners!

What’s your Mobile Eastern Shore home worth?

According to the National Association of Realtors®, almost 90% of home buyers do their house hunting online. The fact that the internet is taking over many traditional methods, makes it imperative for  home owners to move their campaigns to the web. Consumers are becoming more independent in the home buying process, relying on the internet for real estate market information and shopping for their perfect home. The quantity of home buyers who ended up purchasing a home they found using the Internet has significantly increased from only 8% in 2001 to a soaring 32% in 2008. However, buyers only account for half of the real estate equation that results in using the internet.

Sellers are relying on the internet to create effective online selling campaigns that catch the mouse click of potential buyers. Whether selling by owner or using a real estate agent, anyone trying to attract the attention of a buyer for their Mobile Eastern Shore home  should take full advantage of online marketing strategies. Listing agents advertise client’s homes on their company websites, the Multiple Listing Service and Realtor.com, and by other professional tools. Home owners choosing the for sale by owner route or just simply looking for more ways to expose their home on the market, now have access to many of the same professional tools real estate agents use and more. For example ForSaleByOwner.com now allows their clients to list their homes on the Multiple Listing Service and Realtor.com too. In addition, homes are also popularly advertised on websites such as, Craigslist, Google Base, Yahoo Real Estate, and Facebook.

Regardless of who is selling your Mobile Eastern Shore home, it is important to establish and maintain a successful home-selling Internet campaign. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track:

• It is crucial to give the home as much exposure as possible, especially on popular websites like local MLS sites.
• Use comprehensive and professional quality descriptions of the property.
• Be sure to include details such as room sizes, total square footage, key selling points and neighborhood or community assets.
• Display a variety of multiple, high-quality color pictures and, if possible, video tours of the home.
• Provide convenient, simple, quick and easy methods of contact for people requesting more information or pursuing a showing.
• Make scheduling a showing as convenient as possible for the prospective buyers.
• Set a competitive asking price based on the selling prices of comparable homes in the area.

Learn how my marketing strategies can get your Mobile Eastern Shore home sold in a shorter period of time and for more money by visiting JudySells.com.

What is your Mobile Eastern Shore home worth?

Calculating Capital Gains

(+) PURCHASE PRICE – Price paid for property

(+) COST OF PURCHASE – Transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF SALE – Repairs, commissions, attorney fees, inspections

(+) COST OF IMPROVEMENT – Room additions, deck, for example, though not replacing existing

(=) ADJUSTED COST BASIS OF YOUR HOME

(-) AMOUNT YOU SELL YOUR HOME

(=) CAPITAL GAIN

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains

Even though the above calculation may indicate you owe Capital Gains, there is a special real estate exemption. Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a Mobile Eastern Shore home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:

• You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.

• You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.

NOTE: As of 2003, you may also qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.

Learn more about selling your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

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Always consult a tax attorney regarding current tax laws.